Nyaya five-member syllogism steps – UGC NET Question

Statements A, B, C, D and E correctly describe the five members of the Nyaya parārthānumāna, whereas F is false. Pratijñā presents the thesis about the pakṣa, hetu gives the reason, udāharaṇa supplies a universal example, upanaya applies that universal relation to the pakṣa and nigamana concludes the inference. The ordered presentation is meant to clarify both the general vyāpti and its specific application, so it is neither arbitrary nor insignificant. Therefore F must be rejected.

Option A:
Option A is correct because it includes the full and accurate description of each step in the five-member syllogism and excludes F, which denies the significance of their order. It aligns with standard Nyaya accounts used in UGC NET Indian logic questions. Hence A, B, C, D and E only is the right choice.

Option B:
Option B is incomplete as it omits E, thereby failing to mention nigamana, the final restatement of the conclusion. Without E, the overall structure of the syllogism is left unfinished. Therefore A, B, C and D only cannot be accepted.

Option C:
Option C is wrong since it omits A and includes only B, C, D and E. Without A, the role of pratijñā as the thesis about the pakṣa is absent, leaving the syllogism without its starting claim. This omission makes B, C, D and E only an inadequate combination.

Option D:
Option D is incorrect because it omits B and presents only A, C, D and E. Without B, the explicit statement of hetu as the reason is missing, which is central to the syllogistic structure. Thus A, C, D and E only cannot represent all the correct statements.